Reading a novel in a sunny corner, without music and other noise. Cooking lovely food, accompanied by Spanish classical guitar music. Meditating in the garden with bird song. Bliss! These are some of my favourite things.

I have really been loving taking a long 'sensory shower' after a stressful and overbearing day. I keep the lights out, put on some candles, choose some soft jazz playlist and really destress and feel alive again. It's even better when I choose to do my everything shower, and my whole skincare routine. I also love the feeling of stillness in preparing for my next workday, so that I don't have to be in a hurry before work. Just putting some clothes out, preparing lunch, have my bag packed. Simple things like that just feels like love from me to me.

@blue_satin_sashes

11 ай бұрын

turning the lights off in the shower is a game changer! i do it every night as it helps me to wind now, and prepare me for bed as it's usually 1am when i finally shower and go to bed

I think that is what separates extroverts from introverts - how we recharge vs how social or shy we are. I don't need to be around people but I enjoy it as long as I have had my alone off time.

Just finished Okay Days and it was absolute perfection. I haven't had a book "hit" me in such a way in a very long time. I cried at multiple points throughout. Such an honor to finally read your work! You are a very talented novelist :) From an English Lit grad, I'd say your work definitely hits that sweet spot you're aiming for!

@JennyMustard

11 ай бұрын

Omg! Thank you so much!

I love to be alone. My favourite place is in the hammock under the trees in the sunny garden, reading a book.

When I need to relax, especially when I'm feeling a bit blue...I put on my favorite Christmas music, no matter what time of the year it is...I know

Jenny, your book totally hit the sweet spot! Reading Okay Days reminded me how enjoyable fiction can be ❤

@JennyMustard

11 ай бұрын

oh thank you so so much ! that makes me so happy !

I recently started listening to relaxing piano music with my big noise cancelling headphones and knitting a pullover while taking the metro to work. Even I am not completely alone, I totally feel alone. It is a really nice addition to my relaxation routine and makes me so happy 😊

People need to make things creatively as expression for sanity. It does not have to be high art but music and creative outlets are a must I think. This, to me, is the other side of keeping peace for yourself.

My luxury is that expanse of time alone. To be at home, under the trees when possible, just to nap, listen,read, or sketch…just so necessary.

Look youre videos make feel more relax and free of guilt. Also be silent, no music, or anything, and of course be alone, do yoga, some incense, take a bath, eat chocolate, sleep, and read a novel. Thank you for helping me to relax and not feel guilty about that :)

As someone who is constantly trying to make other people happy I think this is really important for me, food for thought. Thanks Jenny!

I too enjoy reading and movies, but I also love to go out early in the morning with my camera and photograph birds (or wildlife if I can find it). Although it involves activity, it gets me into a flow state where I forget everything else, which is where recharging really happens for me.

@li3838

11 ай бұрын

OMG! This is my preferred meditation method, especially while living in the city where a flower or a lizard can make my day.

Team reading here 🙋🏼‍♀️ Though I prefere reading in silence, maybe listening to the birds but no music. And yes, you totally hit that sweetspot 😊 I really loved reading your book!

Oh yes, unscheduled days are a must! And so is being alone - preferably a couple of hours every day. I am not just wishing for that - it´s part of my life now 🤗

Jenny. I started listening to Okay Days a few days ago and I loved it so much that I couldn’t not have it in my hands and actually read it so I ordered a physical copy immediately and now I’m dying for it to arrive, I’m literally trying to keep myself from listening to it cause I wanna read it so bad hahaha. Well fucking done Jenny, your novel definitely hits that sweet spot you’re talking about and I’m already obsessed with it. So so proud of you, thank you for creating the most amazing content always ♥️

@JennyMustard

11 ай бұрын

Aaaw, thank you so much!

totally agree with your point about making sure we truly enjoy our hobbies! I've spent years being upset with myself about not being able to read in the same way I used to when I was younger - until I realised the biggest difference was joy! the realisation that I can (and should) read books that seem exciting rather than the books that "everybody" is reading or that I "should" read made me fall in love with reading again. currently reading Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jędrowski, it is incredible so far!

Yes. More focused when I am alone... I thoroughly enjoy spending time by myself, especially when I'm reading. I prefer to be alone and have found a particular café that I like to frequent. Most people who come in order tea or coffee and either work there or leave once they receive their order. Even when the café is full, it still manages to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.💌 I have learned to take one day per week for myself.

Just coming here to say that Okay Days totally put me in the space to enjoy small moments of peace and rejoice in shared times with my partner. I'm re-reading it aloud to him when we go to bed.

@JennyMustard

11 ай бұрын

Amazing! Thank you!

@l6318

11 ай бұрын

Reading to each other is so romantic!

I’m a big instrumental girl. Also years ago I discovered the “elevator music” playlist on Pandora and I am obsessed. Didn’t even know there was such a genre. Fun fact… years ago I was a schoolteacher, and I would play Vivaldi for the kids anytime I sent them off into independent work time. It was the easiest way to get 30 12 year olds into a state of flow. They would all work silently to the music for sometimes 20 mins at a time. It was perfect. Got to the point where the kids would ask for the music if I didn’t turn it on right away.

Jenny, I had a lovely time reading your novel during these hot summer days. Looking forward to the next one!

Please please please do the recipes! 💟

jenny your blouse !!!🤍🤍🤍

Thank you Jenny Mustard!

Enjoyed this video immensely, am working on a protecting my piece program so this message felt like a DM 😊🙏🏾 thanks Jenny always delightful

Elijah Fox is a discovery. From piano shelf Nils Frahm work and performance is also a gem. Thank you

I love the fresh flowers in your apartment

I'm in US and purchased the Kindle version of Okay Days I cant wait to read it. Love you Jenny xx

I loved this. Working on that day of rest for myself. Thank you for the great suggestions. I remember having these days as a young person, free to read, walk, sing, sew, or whatever else I wanted to do. I so agree, too that having that one day without even a phone call to do is essential .

Oh and Chopin’s nocturnes and coffee house jazz are my calm music go tos.

I’m reading your book. Finally arrived 🎉 enjoying it so far. Can’t wait to read more of it after work 😉

Maggie O’Farrell is also a lovely author for getting into reading, with great storytelling and intellectual narrative. I’m looking forward to digging into your book too!

I have read your book twice already, Jenny. After the first time through, I missed the characters so much that I quickly read Okay Days once more just to be back in that world. I so appreciated the kindness. Thank you for helping to make kindness cool again. 💜

@JennyMustard

11 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you!

@donnellallan

11 ай бұрын

@@JennyMustard , thank YOU! 🙏

I often play bossa nova/jazzy tunes for background. For me it takes the edge off and I find myself able to not be stuck in anxiety and overwhelm, be it a busy or lazy day

I relate so much to so much of this, especially with needing to be completely alone to be able to concentrate ^^ any sound or even movement is a total no xD I really need my time alone, and I value it greatly :) thank you so much for this, such a great call to take care

Doing yoga when my mind is foggy. Lighting unscented candles during the grey days. Cooking in the kitchen to keep my hands & mind active. Watching my favourite films to be transported away.

no way, the new eliza clark book on the nightstand

Ok guys, if you haven’t read okay days yet, I’m telling you: you’re missing out!! Unfortunately, I only have one chapter left :( I don’t want the story to end!! But seriously, I think Jenny must have felt pressured as it’s her first book. Nevertheless, it’s better than someone can even imagine! So well written. I look forward to read more from you :)

@JennyMustard

11 ай бұрын

Thank you!!!!!!!!

I LOVE this video and this topic! And I agree regarding having a tidy space to work in or enjoy (like in the morning before having breakfast I just can't sit in the living room if it's a complete mess! I start tidying up while I wait for the coffee to be ready ahaha

I love the idea of logging your progress on a hobby! But there is never a wrong time to enjoy a David Lynch movie 😉

I always listen to the „night rain“ playlist on spotify to wind down 💆🏻‍♀️☔️

Thank you! I am struggling so hard with this right now. I have the same response to being alone! I need voluntary loneliness and no plans in order to relax fully. Mint aromatherapy spray helps too!

You make me calm always always...❤

Your outfit here is everything. Fabulous video❤

my favorite type of videos! Thank you Jenny I struggle to read because my mind can't stay focus. BUT I read Sputnik sweatheart from Haruki Murakami, it's about a love triangle, it's entertaining, fresh and easy to read

For me, I go trail running. After years and years and thousands of miles I now am able to go internal, see where I am decide where I want to go emotionally by the end, and which run will get me there. Took years but is the biggest gift I ever got

Glad I am here as early as I could ..will always support you =)😀

I have your same exact tick, have to organize/order everything to be able to relax 🤷🏻‍♀️

i absolutely loved Okay Days. Planning to reread before the end of the summer. It was just so delightful.

@JennyMustard

11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Loved this! So in line with how I feel and think. Thank you for voicing it, from an old lady!

@JennyMustard

11 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Thanks for setting the calm mood for my day off! Want to tidy, cook good food and get some books from the library (as well as returning Okay Days to the new lucky reader) x

@JennyMustard

11 ай бұрын

Hope you have a great day!

This has been so helpful, your tips really solidify what is so essential to every day life and switching off. Like you, I prefer the quiet when reading. Thanks so much and I’ll certainly be ordering your book. Hopefully I can get you in Australia without using Amazon!

@JennyMustard

11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! It’s available in Australia now actually 😊

Thank you, Jenny, I will now be logging all the books I read and have read. I loved the library book club for this reason but unfortunately it was only for kids and I "got too old"

Love your top! (Dress?) great video… my husband is away for 2 weeks and it’s so easy to have something playing in the background ALL the time I’m the evenings … you reminded me to enjoy some silence 😅

your videos are always one way of protecting my peace

@tortadepimenton

11 ай бұрын

also are you planning to have your book as an audiobook? i'd love to listen to it!

I am reading Lily Kings short fiction „5 Tuesdays in Winter“ and I am blown away by atmospheric density and the kind and heartwarming characters (eventhough the first story maybe is not the best example for that). Recommend recommend 😉

Team reading and appriciating a good me time 💁🏼‍♀️ Jenny? I‘m so waiting for your next book!!! 😂 I loved Okey Days so much- reading it was such a quality time for me 💕

@JennyMustard

11 ай бұрын

ooooh thank you!

Thank you for your lovely video. I agree that music really sets the scene. At the moment I am listening Alexis Ffrench quite a bit, but the song that always calms me down is Albatross by Fleetwood Mac. You have also inspired me to watch the ‘Before’ trilogy again, have not seen those movies in years. Enjoy your calm moments.

Really like your video talking about your lifestyle and routine. It is so lovely, peaceful, calm the way you embrace the nature and everything in your life. Very amazing. Thank you for exist in the You Tube and making these kind of content.

this is off the topic but I would love to see a recipes sort of video from you, all the meals you show in your videos look so delicious 😍😍

I listen to nature sounds playlists on Spotify when I read, e.g. fireplace/wood fire sounds

Ja gärna mer av dessa videor ❤😊

Personally I love just being by myself with my phone off, my spouse is the opposite with people but not doing too much.

This feels very relatable! An unscheduled morning is my habit. Not always possible, but really helps with sleep quality as well as general stress levels. Where is your grey dress/yukata (at 5:33 and 10:41) from? I need one and can't find it in your 'shop my wardrobe' - thanks ❤

I just installed an app that blocks websites on my phone/computer. I think it's supposed to be used to be more "productive" (e.g. blocking social media sites during certain hours). But I actually use it to block my work platforms (e.g. outlook) during weekends and also after certain hours. When I try to access these sites, a message I wrote to myself comes up that says - "you have the right to be lazy" - it comes from a great essay written by Paul LaFargue in the 1880s about how we have fought so much about the right to work but have forgotten to fight for the right to NOT work :) It is sad that we have to do this in a way (I found it especially hard to switch off during/after the pandemic since I now work from home alot) but I've found that it really helps.

Hi Jenny:) Your blanket looks so luxurious!what company is it?cotton?:) Btw, really enjoy this type of videos. Beautiful visuals:), thank you!!!😻

Beautiful shirt with puff sleeves ❤❤❤

@JennyMustard

11 ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊

i try to get 1 "do-nothing" day a week... it is sublime

Wow! Elijah Fox is great! Thanks for recommending ! My recommendation is Movement by Hozier- equally relaxing, uplifted and sweet.

This video really gave me lots of ideas for calm - as things have not been that way for awhile since covid How did you and David stay well during covid over in England - did you both take the jab or did you just do all these things to stay well and healthy instead ? Unfort I had a reaction and since have been covered in pins and needles all over .....soooooooo it is safe to say these ideas have been much needed

Maybe hack for phone, in "extra battery saver mode" you don't have all apps available, so maybe if you put the apps for music and heating there, but not social medias etc., you won't wonder to those apps? Closing the mode is one button away, but it takes some time to turn off so maybe it will help?

Jenny please tell us where you bought this amazing green dress? 💚

Do you have any tips on London bookshops or a vintage guide?

❤❤

May I ask your favourite candles pls❤

I think I'm an outlier here, but the context in which I read best is on public transportation. I live in one of maybe 3 US cities that actually has decent public trans, and I can plow through novels on a moving bus better than in my garden or my big, comfy window chair. My brain gets pretty cacophonous when it's too still and quiet. The din of other people and the need to be self aware for my own safety seems to balance that out. Unglamorous, and I don't really get it, but I've been this way my whole life!

Beauty so extravagant

Basically you've condensed the book 'The Lazy Genuis Way' by Kendra Odachi

elijah fox them you mention reminds me of zelda ost

Swedish people hold a doctorate in living and being alone.

I'm a natural introvert, but I've harbored a lot of guilt and almost fear about that since childhood. Busy weekends after a busy workweek are nice, but DRAINING... but if I spend the weekend alone and do nothing, its like I can't relax and end up feeling anxious, isolated and very existential all day. Balance seems so simple, but feels impossible, lol

@JennyMustard

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

In which language have you written your book? Did you do the Swedish/English translation by yourself, in whichever direction it went? Whereas you and David are literature / movie "nerds", I would be a music nerd who takes hours to create a playlist by choosing one song after another live at the same time as the music plays. I tune into the music by whistling along / singalong / clapping along / dancing along (of sorts), too. I rarely save these playlists anymore because I prefer the creative process and the instant reward of a new good fit, creating a flow in the music like a DJ would, just without the turntables nor mixing. Over the years, I have acquired quite a memory bank of favourite songs to choose from. And a sizable CD collection that is definitely not minimalist is the cornerstone of that activity for me, though I do it on a computer, too, depending on where I stay at the tiime. I prefer real speakers over headphones. There are vocal and instrumental tunes. There are midtempo and slow tunes, though I do get the calming effect from some rock n roll songs as well. Stylistically, it's all over the place, though I do tend to avoid music that people would use for excercising. Virtuous instrumental passages, characteristic voices, well written melodies, lyrics that are either interesting content or interesting language or both, good arrangements and production: they are a plus and a necessity. I get the feeling that improvised music triggers my mirror neurons after a busy day of schedule to get my intuition going again. The latter I would recommend to anyone stuck in a rut. If the mustardians are interested, give me a nod and I can create a playlist which I would use for active relaxation for you to link here. I've been practising the schedule-free days for years now and it's really also your intuition that brings the joy during those. I try to give it more space during the working days, too, even though I like planning stuff beforehand. Thanks for mentioning that in the video.

@leonore3349

11 ай бұрын

I doubt that she translated her own book. I don't know any authors who do, even the ones who can. It makes sense that after all the hard work you want to put it behind you. Moreover, it's hard have to the necessary distance or perspective when it's your own work.

Which book have you read in 7:15 ?

Reading or listening to music, but i can't read with music, but every monkey is different

yay someone who knows not to use anti social! lol

But if you're a novelist, isn't reading... work? I am an artist and I consider everything related to my practice work, so for me just walking in nature, hanging out with friends and cooking is truly a hobby

the plan not plan for boxing day

You can't see the screen with the sun behind...

Hi Jenny, Are you interested with South Korean Dramas? Let me know if you're interested, i can give you some recommendations... It's a whole new world that you might love. 🤗🤗🤗 Have a nice day!

@JennyMustard

11 ай бұрын

Yes please!

@yovitaadj5429

11 ай бұрын

​@@JennyMustard YAY, Here we go! So, I want to recommend a few of my favorites (they're all different genres). I don’t want to give too many options at first because it can get overwhelming to choose one. :D 1. Extraordinary Attorney Woo. A great story about an autistic young woman, Woo Young Woo. She is an attorney at one of the top law firms in the country. Her life is eccentric and weird, but meaningful and valuable. Despite having a disability to interact, she manages to defend her clients in court cases with her creative reasoning and wittiness. These cases are unique as they're about some topics that are rarely discussed in other law-genre drama, such as false homicide, defamation, patent battle, North Korean defector issues, heritage tax issue, etc.; this wide range of cases are also handled very refreshingly, that we don't get confused during the investigation. This is my first k drama I watched in October 2022 and it has a special place in my heart :) 2. Healer. The story involves a night courier with the codename "Healer" who is very skilled in fighting, a famous journalist, and a rookie reporter. One day, they all get involved in an incident that is seemingly caused by some people who caused another unsolved case decades ago. Together, they are trying to uncover the truth. This drama gives me heist, friendship, cute love scenes, grief, and family dynamics, and I love all those things! I think this is one of the best well-written storylines and my favorite of all time! 3. Flower of Evil, a crime thriller romance. It is about a husband who is hiding his true (evil?) nature from his detective wife. The show is full of twists and turns, each episode just constantly evolving and getting better. The villain is so smart and quite unpredictable I must say. 4. My Mister. A slice-of-life drama about people overcoming their struggles. Park Dong Hun is a manager at a building company with some problems; his marriage is not harmonious, one of his brothers is unsuccessful in his job, while the other one is unemployed and in debt issues. So all three brothers are struggling in their midlife crisis. Now going into the show. it deals a lot with office crime and corporate espionage, which is done in such an interesting way because it's directly related to our characters, they're very much intertwined. 5. Goblin, is an epic fantasy love story of God and his destined human bride. The song of this one is GOLD, the best so far. The story is simple but very emotional. This drama is not for you if you feel uncomfortable with the pairing, but if you enjoy them, it will be an incredible experience. 6. Weak Hero Class 1, it’s a short one. The story sets in a high school. It follows a unique way of how a student fights against bullying that takes place inside and outside of his school. Even though it has violence, the enjoyment, and emotional devastation I got from this series is so so real. The music is so feisty too! A captivating, solid, and well-crafted story. Short, sweet, heartbreaking. 7. It’s okay to not be okay, is about three very layered characters who help each other heal their emotional and psychological wounds. One is a dark-fairy tale writer Ko Mun Young who is a bit of a psycho, a psychiatrist worker Moon Gang Tae and his autistic brother Moon Sang Tae. The show looks so pretty and magical. The show is shifting between fantasy and reality. The cinematography is visually stunning, the animations are both beautiful and creepy at the same time. I like how each episode features a fairy tale in the beginning and then later on there are connections to that story, which made everything feel very cohesive. The whole OST is awesome, it's sexy, it's wholesome, it's cold, beautiful, and sometimes playful. 8. Extracurricular - it’s a story of Ji Soo, is a gifted student whose dream is to be successful in his study. He’s living alone independently because his dad doesn’t take responsibility as a father. In order to save funding for university and pay for his living cost, including school, Jisoo has been running a security service for sex workers and this has been ongoing smoothly for a few years. One day, his secret starts to go awry when his classmate Gyuri stole his work phone and threatened to blackmail him… This drama uses its' crime and psychological genre to the best of its potential. The filmmaking is tight and creative! The soundtrack, metaphors, dream sequences, and color grading really set the mood. To avoid making this message too long I write only a few sentences for each, but I really like all of these and have written my reviews on most of them that you can read further here, don't worry I put the spoiler warning before I talk about spoilers, so you can skip that part: mydramalist.com/profile/10910079/reviews - For the watching platform, I often go to a site called Viki and Netflix, they might available in your subscription platform as well: Viki.com It provides the best subtitle but not all dramas are available for free. At least for my region (Vienna) Healer, My Mister, Flower of Evil, Weak Hero Class 1 is accessible here. Netflix Available for most titles nowadays, and i know they have Goblin, It’s okay to not be okay, Extracurricular, Extraordinary Attorney Woo here - Another tip, I watched dramas at 1.5x speed at least because 1x speed feels to slow for me. it's your own preference, but to speed up, you can install the Global Speed extension: chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/global-speed/jpbjcnkcffbooppibceonlgknpkniiff and stream through Google chrome, you choose how fast you want to see everything using this extension. Let me know how it goes for you! Do you prefer me communicating this way or shall I use other ways (email/instagram dm?)